April 2017 Update: As the new live action film of Beauty and the Beast continues to break records, Tokyo Disney Resort has just added more concept art, models, and a video to whet the guests appetite. Their upcoming land will be incredible. But what else can you expect- it's Tokyo.
Where did it all begin? Keep on reading...
Iconic scene from the film that started it all.
In 1991, Walt Disney Pictures released the animated film classic. The only animated release ever to be nominated for Oscar's Best Picture award. It did not win, losing out to Silence of the Lambs, but it did become an enduring and beloved classic for the ages. This amazing film also continued a new winning streak for the newly revitalized Disney animation; a streak that would continue with Aladdin and The Lion King.
Clearly not one of the gang.
A force to be reckoned with.
"This is the moment- this is what I was born for... As I started animating it, for me it's really an expression of my spiritual life. There's a verse in the Bible that says 'If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new... Because it is really about an inner spiritual transformation that's taking place with the Beast. I saw it as a parable of my life."
Advanced concepts of Beast.
Who could ever learn to love a beast?
Fully human and transformed by love.
Apart from her world.
Human again!
Not being fools, the suits of the Walt Disney Company wanted to leverage the popularity of the film into other divisions of the company. The quickest and easiest place to begin was in the parks.
A fitting smash, I would say!
Stage shows at the parks and Broadway productions were just the beginning of bringing it to the world. But what about theme park attractions and not just stage shows?
Who would have guessed this building would host
something related to Beauty and the Beast?
Trust me. It looks better in person.
Photograph copyright yours truly.
Beast's Library at California Adventure.
Photo copyright Disney by Mark.
The Sorcerer's Workshop included a visit to the Beast's library, complete with flashes of lightning and a changing portrait of our hero. It was relatively smaller and not true to scale than what the film portrayed, but at least it was the beginning of something beyond stage shows for the parks. Pretty soon, the film came to the world, Walt Disney World, in a big architectural way!
Overview of the Beauty and the Beast mini-land
as part of the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.
The long neglected Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom was ripe for a transformation all its own. The space once occupied by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lacked substance, screaming for creative redevelopment. For quite awhile, the Imagineers working on the New Fantasyland project for Walt Disney World thought they'd done a fine job keeping it all under wraps away from the public eyes and ears. Of course, insiders leaked concept art- or was it intentionally leaked at they tried to overcome the smashing success of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando and its growing Islands of Adventure?
Entrance to the restaurant. From concept art to reality.
Certainly budget and space were major considerations for both the suits and the Imagineering geniuses in charge of the project. Going back to the Golden Age of Animation II, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid would form the artistic cornerstone of what was planned. Keep in mind, this plan was created long before the unexpected and phenomenal success of Frozen, or the plans would have changed significantly, perhaps even stopping them from shoehorning an attraction in the World Showcase Norway pavilion at Epcot.
The Be Our Guest Restaurant would become
the true centerpiece of the mini-land.
So much for an "E Ticket" level attraction
when you can pay big bucks to eat!
Maurice's cottage under construction.
Photo copyright The Walt Disney Company.
Would New Fantasyland be another example of placing shopping and eating above offering world class attractions as was California Adventure at opening? You wouldn't think so based on the absolute steamroller marketing machine of the Company. They created expectations beyond what they would actually deliver. After all, this is the same leadership that relegated Tangled to a set of restrooms!
2012 Overhead construction view from Scott Keating.
A front view of construction.
Photo from The Walt Disney Company.
It's a quiet village.
Enchanted Tales with Belle is an attraction dedicated to the film, albeit a walk through one that also doubles as a meet and greet. It's an adventure for parents and kids (and fans) alike, beginning with a visit to father Maurice's cottage before magically finding yourself inside Beast's castle to meet Belle and an incredible mini Audio-Animatronic Lumiere. There are places the whole experience falters a bit, but these smaller charming little touches are what separates Disneyland from its younger sibling kingdoms. I'm glad to see them here even if there is more they could have done with such an important milestone of a film.
From outside Maurice's cottage...
... to Beast's castle...
... to meeting Belle.
Of course, it would not be Disney without an eatery for folks not able to afford premier dining or those who do not like to plan their vacations far enough in advance to get reservations.
A gift from Gaston to the town.
Brew and Meat! And more meat! And antlers!
Butterbeer, err I mean, LeFou's Brew, is the family favorite drink on tap at Gaston's Tavern. Lunch size portions of meat are available as well, making this place a quick stop for a bite while admiring all the trophies and perhaps sitting in the iconic chair from the film. It's a bit of a "boy area" in a land designed mostly for females.
Gifts and more in a quaint little shop.
Of course you can buy the movie there! Did you expect less?
Shopping with a Beauty and the Beast emphasis is not overlooked. Is it not about time to be able to buy a Mrs. Potts and Chip teapot set along with a DVD of the film?
Beast of an ad for the New Fantasyland!
A "Signature Image" on the official
Disney Parks Blog for promotion.
Great web content was created to launch the expansion.
The interactive web map.
The web presence was incredibly impressive and took viewers into the Fantasyland Forest to preview some of the attractions. Beyond the internet, you just couldn't watch television without being aware something big was new at the Magic Kingdom.
Disney suits expected the New Fantasyland to be a based-loaded home run. When visitors came expecting more than a charming village setting from the film, they left disappointed by the lack of cutting edge attractions. However, those guests loving the richly detailed atmosphere straight from the movie were more than pleased by what the Imagineers had created.
An impressive Audio-Animatronic Lumiere
in Enchanted Tales with Belle.
(From Tampa Bay News.)
Pass through these gates to dine in the castle ballroom!
Photograph copyright Len Yokoyama.
By opening day, it had been 20 years since the film became an international hit. When the construction dust had settled, previews were completed, and everything opened, it was not any of the attractions in New Fantasyland that drew rave reviews. It was the Be Our Guest restaurant that became the clear winner of that crown. It instantly became one of the premier dining locations in the park and certainly the most difficult of all Magic Kingdom eateries in which to get a decent reservation. Or even one at all. (The beautiful photograph above was taken by my friend and guest writer Len Yokoyama. For a full review of the place, the entire Magic Kingdom, and tons more gorgeous photos, go to the previous blog article.) New Fantasyland was complete, keeping millions of guests happy while finally giving the Florida kingdom a Fantasyland worth the Disney name.Photograph copyright Len Yokoyama.
Now, a few years after completion of the project, New Fantasyland has settled into its place. Guests love it. Old school Disney theme park fans have come to accept it for what it is. The controversy of what it could have been has been left behind... along with the thoughts and plans of Imagineers and suits of what it will become when built again in a distant land.
What will come next this year in 2016? If I were a betting man (and I'm not), I would gladly wager we will see a 25th Anniversary musical collection or special Blue-Ray edition of the film to make the date... and make another warehouse full of cash. But we do know something is coming overseas.
As most hardcore B&tB fans know, Disney is remaking its classic into a live action film starring Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens and Harry Potter's Emma Watson. It's a pattern they have recently begun, and I only hope this version of our beloved film is better than some of the other work they've done i.e. Alice in Wonderland.
A video to make you want to book that trip to Tokyo in 2020.
What will come next this year in 2016? If I were a betting man (and I'm not), I would gladly wager we will see a 25th Anniversary musical collection or special Blue-Ray edition of the film to make the date... and make another warehouse full of cash. But we do know something is coming overseas.
Just an afterthought to some degree.
Before we celebrate the anniversary of the film, the new Shanghai Disneyland will briefly represent it as part of its Voyage to the Crystal Grotto boat ride. The attraction looks to be a rather lavish, modern day movie promotion cruise a la Storybookland Canal Boats, but it will do the trick to introduce Chinese audiences to beloved Disney animated movies. An even more impressive Beauty and the Beast happening takes place the following year.
Dan and the Beast.
Emma and Belle.
There's quite the age difference between the two lead actors. No question Dan has the Beast's blue eyes, but can he channel his inner torment? Furthermore can Emma give us Belle's wit, strength, and elegance? In contrast to Alice, the live action remake of Cinderella gives me hope. I'm wishing them both the best as I want this film to be great. Don't you?
Not the actual movie poster, just fan art
designed by Prateek Mathur at www.Animation.Life
The March 17, 2017 release date is just about a year away, and all will be revealed. What has been revealed is the fact it will be a musical and include a few new songs by the legendary tunesmith Alan Menken. Understandably, Ms. Watson has said she is a bit nervous but very excited to be singing as well.
Paige and Robby at Disneyland in 2010.
What remains to be heard if our new stars can match the vocal talents of the incredibly stunning singing talents of Robby Benson and Paige O'Hara, and of course Richard White who vocalized Gaston. Now, it's back to the parks...
As always, it's better overseas.
Florida may have received the first incarnation of the film created into theme park landscape, but the Magic Kingdom will not have the best version. As expected, leave it to the Japanese to hold that distinction as Tokyo Disneyland transforms their Fantasyland to make room for much more than a top notch restaurant and an elaborate meet and greet. Announced in the Fall of 2014, the addition looks to be truly magical.
Coming to Asia, of course.
Above is a cutaway view of the brand new Tokyo Disneyland expansion dedicated to our duo and their story. If you notice, the castle is still under the spell of the enchantress, setting the stage for mysterious adventures within its walls and right behind that mountain range. Look closer and you'll notice guests walk into the castle directly. It's not just sitting on top of a hill in miniature. Beast's home will be far enough removed from the park's hub centerpiece castle so that it can be built in a very impressive and foreboding size more in line with the film.
Again, it's better overseas!
Rumors abound this all will be the home to a super "E Ticket", perhaps "F Ticket" quality attraction for the whole family- a tour through the castle filled with music, adventure, and lots of suspense. Think along the lines of exploring Beast's Castle a la Haunted Mansion but with trackless vehicles. As with most of the Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will be treated to a top of the line experience. The bar has been raised by Disney itself by building Cars Land, and now guests expect more than ever before.
Discarded concepts from Disneyland Paris' plans.
Location of the proposed but never built
Beauty and the Beast attraction
in the City of Lights
This new area is not full of retreads from Disneyland Paris! As you may recall, on the grand opening television show for the parc in 1992, Disney strongly told viewers that attractions based on the film (and on The Little Mermaid) would be coming in the next phase. It should have been an opening day attraction- "After all, dear, this is France!" However, neither attraction materialized, instead giving way to other projects.
A grand show was planned.
The entrance to the proposed attraction can still be found
on the side of Paris' castle!
The concept art above represents an Audio-Animatronics show that never saw the light of day. A live action Belle would interact with characters from the movie in a style similar to the Disneyland classic, Enchanted Tiki Room. These old musical type shows have long gone out of style. (See article here.) Perhaps one day, they will be in vogue again, but for now, do not expect to see this in Tokyo.
The round circle is a Big Hero 6 attraction in Tomorrowland.
This is so worth the removal of that Grand Circuit Raceway!
Here, Tokyo Disneyland will bring you a grand boulevard through Belle's quiet village with the Beast's castle looming ahead. It's huge and menacing, a full sized castle befitting the incredible trackless E Ticket attraction. Think Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor but with a tale as old and beloved as time. Or perhaps an even better comparison might be that ride through the Haunted Mansion with each vehicle wandering a bit on its own.
It's all in the details.
Gaston's Tavern. A man has to eat somewhere!
A full sized castle. Your eyes are not deceiving you!
What you will find inside the Tokyo castle is not a newer version of the beautiful Be Our Guest restaurant, but instead a groundbreaking family friendly attraction in the grandest of old Disney traditions. Imagineering at its best.
A video to make you want to book that trip to Tokyo in 2020.
Outside in the village, expect an environment similar to that found in Florida, just updated to provide a better guest experience. I'm sure there are some surprises planned as well. We certainly have seen that the Japanese do not stop short to provide its guests with the very best in themed entertainment.
One more great photo copyright Len Yokohama.
Lastly, you may be asking yourself, "Will Walt's original Magic Kingdom in Anaheim" ever see some of this?" The answer is "Yes"! The real question is when. Star Wars Land comes first, then what should be a breathtaking new Marvel mini-land, star studded attraction at California Adventure.
Photo from ThemeParkLeague.com.
If the rumors are true and sources correct, the new addition to Fantasyland will arrive between Star Wars Land, the Fantasyland Theater, and Mickey's Toontown, the latter perhaps on the chopping block. Frozen? Well, that's a sure fire use of remaining land, but our beloved Beauty and the Beast is coming as well- and much more along the lines of the Tokyo version than the Florida one. Think classic dark ride and more. That, my friends, is an expansion worth looking forward to! One solidly worthy of the source material, I would say! Stay tuned...
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
